Greens senator Janet Rice calls for urgent bike infrastructure investment following local death

By Fergus Hunter, Nino Bucci

UpdatedMarch 12, 2017 — 7.58amfirst published March 11, 2017 — 4.21pm

A mother of two was hit and killed by a truck while cycling in Melbourne's inner-west on Friday night, prompting calls for better bike infrastructure.

Arzu Baglar, 36, was cycling home to Moonee Ponds after visiting a friend when she was fatally struck in Yarraville about 6pm.

Greents Senator Janet Rice.Credit:Paul Jeffers

Ms Baglar is survived by her husband and their two young daughters, aged six and two.

Greens senator Janet Rice, a long-time bike advocate who helped establish the annual Ride to Work day, wants the Turnbull government to step in and address funding shortfalls around the country to reduce the number of cyclist deaths and injuries.

Advertisement

A cyclist makes his way along Sydney Road in Brunswick. Credit:Joe Armao

Ms Baglar's death has highlighted local divisions over the issue, with concerns about the dangers posed by the many trucks in the area.

"It's still quite dangerous for cyclists and we clearly need to review the level of protection that cyclists have when they are travelling so close to trucks. We need investment from all levels of government, not just state and local. The federal government can't wash their hands of it," the Greens transport and infrastructure spokeswoman told Fairfax Media.

"These accidents could almost all have been avoided with proper infrastructure," she said of recent deaths and injuries suffered by cyclists.

The incident on Friday night occurred as a truck was turning left into Somerville Road after travelling south down Whitehall Street, which runs along the eastern border of Yarraville Gardens, a much-loved local park. But it is also a busy four-lane road used by trucks to travel between the West Gate Freeway and Footscray Road.

And while there are few houses on the street, the suburbs to the west of it are becoming gentrified. East of the street remains heavily industrial, with the land prime real estate for factories and container yards, given its proximity to the Port of Melbourne.

A bike path, which is particularly popular with commuters, runs parallel to the east of Whitehall Street, which also has a bike lane in either direction.

"I know the intersection well, I use it often. My partner Penny uses it weekly," Senator Rice said. "It is a weak point, one of the most dangerous points on the bike path. My heart goes out to this woman's family. Just thinking of how they must be feeling."

The Greens want $250 million in annual funding for nationwide cycling and walking infrastructure, arguing that it is cost-effective, healthier and would ease congestion and pollution.

"The federal government invests in big road projects and we assert that they should be investing in cycling infrastructure as well. It's an important part of the transport system of a lot of our cities," Senator Rice said.

The major collision investigation unit is investigating Friday's incident.

Maribyrnong Truck Action Group president Samantha McArthur said the young woman's tragic death was a reminder of the danger trucks pose in suburban streets.

"This is a really vivid, tragic representation of the dangers that exist in the city of Maribyrnong when you have 22,000 trucks moving through residential streets laid out in the 1800s, every day," she said. "It does put everyone's safety at risk."